A QR code marketing proposal presented at the California Area Chamber of Commerce's board meeting Thursday was met with both vocal enthusiasm and concern.
The proposal would essentially consolidate information about events and promotions from local businesses at one web page under the tagline "Open the door to Cali MO." Patrons would find postcards housed at businesses with QR codes they could scan with their phones, which would lead to a landing page with a wealth of information about goings-on from any Chamber members that choose to participate.
Members of the Chamber's publications and marketing committee came to Thursday's meeting with a general outline of the idea, having done some legwork speaking with local business owners about how they each might utilize the platform. Some members of the board expressed interest with the idea moving forward and getting started, while others voiced concern with not receiving a written plan of action and with the committee's intent to bring on an intern to help with the clerical work.
Ultimately - after returning to the topic more than once during the meeting's run time - the board decided to move forward with bringing the idea to fruition.
The board also received an update on planning for the Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival, which inches ever closer to its return in September. There will be a new event on the schedule this year - the Miss Curly and Mr. Gobbler Pageant, organized by California Kids Daycare. The event is set to be sponsored by California Kids, Bond's Pharmacy and Co-Mo Connect. Children ages 4-8 can participate, and registration forms and other details will be available soon.
Beyond the new addition, work continues on the car show; board members were vocal in their appreciation toward Tyler Clenin, who has handled much of the legwork as the show prepares for a return to the Moniteau County Fairgrounds.
Otherwise, the group learned that there will be musical entertainment at the south stage, though no particular act has yet been selected.
Chamber Executive Secretary Sandra Ratcliff, in her monthly report, informed the board that the Chamber has added one new member since May, PBP Designs LLC. Another interested member that has yet to join, Vantage Supported Living, has expressed interest in hosting a ribbon cutting for its new California branch in July. The board tentatively agreed to do so at Vantage's July 26 open house event at 11:30 a.m.
During the secretary's report, the board also approved again donating $100 to the Moniteau County Alliance for Kids, which facilitates the county back to school fair in July.
Finally, the board received a debrief on an annual event that took place last week - the Chamber-sponsored golf tournament. Event chair Dwight Sanders said this year's edition had a "record turnout;" a total of 31 teams, comprised of 93 players, and 47 hole sponsors made for a successful event. In total, Sanders said he estimated around a $5,400 profit from the event for the Chamber.
The California Area Chamber of Commerce's next board meeting is set for Thursday, July 8 at 8 a.m.